Google has announced a significant update to its Android ecosystem, bringing new tools designed to combat the growing threat of phone-based impersonation and deepfake scams. As Android 17 prepares to roll out later this month, a series of features are arriving for devices running Android 12 and higher, though many require specific Google apps to function. Among the most notable additions is an expanded scam call detection system that goes beyond earlier measures by verifying incoming calls from contacts using RCS messaging.
Impersonation fraud has become one of the most common and costly financial scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission, losses from such scams reached nearly $3 billion in 2024 alone. The rise of AI-powered voice cloning tools has made these schemes even more dangerous. Attackers can now generate realistic voice replicas of a victim's family members, friends, or colleagues, often using just a few seconds of audio scraped from social media or public recordings. These deepfakes can be difficult to distinguish from real calls, even for people who are familiar with the speaker.
To address this, Google is expanding its system for verified financial calls, which debuted last month. The new approach works with any contact in the user's phonebook. When a call comes in that appears to be from a known contact, the caller's Google dialer app sends a confirmation signal. If that signal is missing—because the call is routed through a spoofed relay—the system automatically sends an authenticated RCS ping to the supposed caller via the Google Messages app. If the recipient's phone indicates that it is not placing the call, a pop-up alert warns the user that the person on the line may not be who they claim to be.
This system requires three Google apps: Phone by Google, Contacts, and Google Messages. These are preloaded on Pixel and Motorola devices, and Samsung has recently switched to Google Messages as its default messaging app. However, the feature will not work if the caller uses a different dialer or contacts app, such as Samsung's own phone app or OnePlus's contacts application. This limitation means that the protection is only as strong as the app ecosystem adopted by both parties in a call.
The implications for user safety are significant. As AI spoofing becomes more accessible, regulators in several countries have advised Android users to avoid using their phones for important financial transactions. This guidance directly harms Google's mobile platform and its reputation. The new scam detection measures are part of a broader effort by Google to restore trust in voice calls. Previous initiatives include on-device AI on Pixel phones that can detect likely scam calls and real-time scam identification within Google Messages.
Beyond security, the Android update brings a fresh wave of AI-powered features to the platform. The “Find the Look” capability in Circle to Search, which debuted on Pixel 10 and Galaxy S26 earlier this year, is now expanding to all devices running Android 14 and higher. Circle to Search allows users to search for anything on their screen by circling it. With “Find the Look,” the system analyzes clothing items in an image, identifying brands, styles, and even suggesting where to buy similar pieces. This feature is designed to make inspiration searchable, turning snapshots of people into shoppable fashion boards.
Google Photos is also getting an AI-assisted fashion engine. The app will soon catalog the clothing a person wears in their photos, building a virtual wardrobe that can be browsed and organized. Users can even generate AI images of themselves wearing specific outfits, though Google advises caution: virtual previews should be tested in real life before making purchases. This feature reinforces Google's focus on integrating AI into everyday tasks, from security to personal style.
In addition to AI, Google is expanding support for Apple AirDrop on Android devices. Initially limited to recent Pixel and Samsung flagship models, the feature is now rolling out to a wider array of phones. Samsung devices receiving support include the Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy Z Flip7, Z Fold7, Galaxy Z TriFold, and older models like the Galaxy S24 and S24+ series. OnePlus joins with the OnePlus 15, Xiaomi with the Xiaomi 17T Pro (announced early), Vivo with the X300 and X300 Pro, and HONOR with the Magic V6. Despite this expansion, the limitations remain: iPhone users must set AirDrop to accept requests from “anyone for 10 minutes,” and contact-based sharing is not available when sending from Android. However, the growing list of supported devices makes cross-platform file transfers more accessible.
The integration of these features into the broader Android update cycle underscores Google's strategy of using app ecosystems to deliver advanced capabilities without waiting for full OS upgrades. By relying on its own apps, Google can iterate faster and deploy fixes independently of manufacturers. However, this approach also fragments the user experience, as not all Android users will adopt Google's suite of apps. The requirement for three specific apps and the dependency on the caller also using the same apps could limit the effectiveness of the scam detection feature.
Nonetheless, the update represents a meaningful step forward in protecting users from one of the most insidious forms of digital fraud. As deepfake technology becomes more sophisticated, phone-based impersonation scams are expected to rise. Google's system, while not foolproof, adds a layer of verification that can catch many spoofed calls. The expansion of AirDrop and AI fashion tools also demonstrates Google's commitment to enhancing the everyday utility of Android devices, blending security with convenience.
For users who rely on Google's apps, these updates will be available starting with the Android 17 rollout. Those on Android 12 and above will receive the scam detection feature, while “Find the Look” requires Android 14. The AI wardrobe in Google Photos will be introduced gradually. As always, keeping apps updated and enabling permissions for phone, contacts, and messages will be essential for the features to work correctly.
Source: Ars Technica News